What term describes a person appointed by the court to settle the estate of a deceased individual who did not leave a will?

The term for a person appointed by the court to settle the estate of a deceased individual who did not leave a will is "administrator." When someone passes away without a will, their estate needs to be managed and distributed according to the laws of intestacy. An administrator is appointed by the court to handle these matters, which can include collecting assets, settling debts, and distributing the remaining estate to the rightful heirs.

This role is essential in the probate process, ensuring that the estate is managed legally and fairly in the absence of the deceased's explicit wishes expressed in a will. Furthermore, the administrator may be a relative or someone close to the deceased, but the court ultimately provides the appointment to ensure proper legal authority.

In contrast, an executor is specifically appointed through a will, a trustee manages assets held in a trust, and a beneficiary is an individual or entity that benefits from the assets in an estate or trust. Understanding these roles is crucial in navigating the complexities of estate management and probate law.